Summative

For my summative project I wanted to create an art piece. I will display this work of art in my classroom as a constant reminder of what I have learned in this course and what I still have to learn about myself. I wanted to use two projects concepts we explored in this course but going in another direction. One is the idea of metaphors. The other idea is a self portrait. I also wanted to create a 3 dimensional work of art. This is in order to demonstrate to myself and my students that I can create more then exemplars and digital works. This has not been the easiest courses for me but that is why it has also been so beneficial.

            This piece is 3ft tall and 17 in wide (in some areas). At the bottom there is a large box of 48 Pop-tarts. Pop-tarts have several meaning to me, but all to do with beginnings. It can represent my childhood and the starts of my education. It can also represent my mornings. I start everyday with a Pop-tart and coffee on my 30 min drive to school. I love that time, I am able to think positively toward the day ahead. It can also represent how I am at the start of my teaching career. I have time to become the educator I want to be.

            At the top, coming out of Pop-tart box are plastic fireworks which represent ideas; mine, my students and my fellow classmates. I love hearing new ideas for lessons and teaching. I “borrow” ideas from my fellow teachers all the time. I try it out and expand on it depending on how it works for my students and me. My students are another great source of ideas. They are individuals and their backgrounds help them see things in different ways. This course has helped me feel comfortable amending I “borrow” lots of my ideas. 

The ruler symbolizes measurement. How do I measure up in the eyes of my students, follow educators, parents, administration, instructors, everyone and anyone? I want to teach in a way that allows everyone to benefit from art education. I truly belief one good teacher can be the ripe effect that can change the world.

 I have created a rollercoaster track with mini colored pencils as a symbol of the emotional rollercoaster this school year and this course has been for me. I thought my first school year was tough but these year speed past those bumps of track and have made mountain high drops. I have never been good at confuting myself about problems this course has forced me to do this and it has not been an easy ride. With that said, this year has been the best rollercoaster I’ve been on. I look forward to next year. The rollercoaster doesn’t have an ending.

The small cars on this piece represent the multiple thought I constantly have. I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder in the 1^st grade and have spent my life managing my thoughts through behavior modifications. Sometimes my thoughts cross and crash. Other times my thoughts lead me on to that emotional rollercoaster. But even with the struggles my ADD cause me, it also allows me to explore the world in always others can’t see.

There is a garland of white flowers that wraps around the piece these symbolize my students beginning to blossom. I originally thought to color the flowers but decided not to. One reason is because the art piece has so much color already. The second reason is because this is just the beginning of their journey into art education they have to add their own colors and style. I am also like my students beginning to blossom into the educator I want to be.

The purple mirror is visual representation of reflecting on myself. The mirror is double sided. In the photos I have taken I have put the most current picture of myself in the mirror. I think that will be a regular addition to this piece. I put a photo of myself over one of the frames and will try to change it regularly. This will make me reflect on how well I am using the skills from this course in the future.

This course has been eye opening but challenging as well. Because I am at the beginning of my career I would be interested to see how different it would be to taking this course again in 10 years. I know I will change but hopefully my ideals will not.